Second Family: Showmax’s first original Kenyan telenovela is here
Showmax, the giant on-demand streaming platform, is now airing Kenya’s first original telenovela, Second Family. The novela’s episodes are set to air every Wednesday and Friday and Kenyans will be treated to the complicated world of a billionaire’s families after his death.
According to Showmax, the first episode introduces viewers to Leo Lang’at (played by legendary actor Ian Mbugua), a billionaire whose secrets emerge just after his death. One of those secrets is his second family. Both families embark on a battle to inherit the billionaire’s wealth and power as well as getting revenge against each other.
On one side is Leo’s legitimate family, the city-dwelling wealthy Gatehis, is led by the matriarch Evangeline (played by Dora Nyaboke), a measured, calculating and classy but ruthless woman when crossed.
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On the other side, tucked away in their decent Uasin Gishu home are the Lang’ats, Leo’s second family from whom the young Sinde (played by newcomer actress Vanessa Okeyo) rises to challenge Evangeline as they both fight for the control of Leo’s empire.
Second Family was written by legendary actress Mkamzee Mwatela who was one of the main characters in the Mali series, and Anette Shadeya from the Netflix original, Country Queen.
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“Second Family is the first Showmax Original telenovela in Kenya, and the streamer’s third Original telenovela in Africa building on the success of South Africa’s award-winning, record-breaking The Wife – inspired by Dudu Busani-Dube’s bestselling novels Hlomu The Wife (Season 1), Zandile the Resolute (Season 2) and Naledi, His Love; and Nigeria’s Wura. It is helmed by Adam Neutzsky-Wulff and Edwin Kamau, who both directed the Kalasha-nominated police procedural series Crime and Justice, the first-ever Showmax Original title in Kenya,” Showmax said in a statement.
Other cast members of Second Family include Brian Ogola (Disconnect 2), Helen Keli (Selina), Nick Ndeda (18 Hours), Stephanie Muchiri (Paa), Serah Wanjiru (Sincerely Daisy), Arabron Nyyneque (40 Sticks), Mumbi Maina (The Matrix Resurrections), Brian Abajah (Single Kiasi), Lewis Leshan (Crime and Justice), Ella Maina (Sincerely Daisy), Florence Nduta (Chaguo), Charles J. Ouda (Pepeta), Mary Mwikali (Market Price) and Eve Jackson (Mpakani).
“Let me tell you, it is such a privilege to see this cast and crew bring this to life. Amazing! The joy!” said Mkamzee Mwatela while celebrating Second Family’s premiere.
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